The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Oklahoma Sooners 59, West Virginia Mountaineers 31
It’s been a long march since the disappointment back in October of the Iowa State game. OU has rattled off seven straight wins, with the last five coming by a winning margin of 23 points a game. That streak included last week's 59-31 beatdown of West Virginia.
The Sooners have locked themselves into a rematch with TCU, a scenario in which OU has had quite a bit of luck in the past: a 3-0 record with wins over Kansas State in 2000, Colorado in 2002 and Missouri in 2007.
OU’s College Football Playoff future is in front of it now.
The Great
First play of the game
Kyler Murray made the most of his starting assignment with a bolt-of-lightning run to remind the Big 12 that just because Baker Mayfield is leaving, it doesn't mean OU will automatically lose its grip on the conference.
Offensive line in first half
Huge running holes and a clean pocket. Despite losing guard Dru Samia to some serious bush league crap, Cody Ford came in, and the unit executed. Great game, with OU shredding WVU's defense completely.
Baker Mayfield
Mayfield’s playing at a such a high level that it almost looked like he was toying with the WVU defense. OU’s offensive drives were so efficient and quick, you couldn't turn away for 60 seconds or risk missing a touchdown.
Mayfield is on the precipice of a third Big 12 title as OU's starting QB (which would be a program first) and adding a Heisman Trophy. Win in Arlington, and he can continuing to pursue the one thing Sam Bradford and Jason White could not grab, a national title.
Rodney Anderson
Anderson could easily have had 200 yards rushing. He showed power, moves and breakaway speed – basically a complete NFL running back's game. He should be an All-Big 12 pick.
Somehow OU lost two starting NFL RBs and not missed a step.
The Good
Other skill positions
How do you defend the Sooners' passing game?
CeeDee Lamb is arguably the best freshman WR in the country, and he nearly had another day with a hundred yards receiving. Marquise Brown is on the list of top impact JUCO players nationally and close to 1,000 receiving yards for the season. Mykel Jones adds a big-play threat as a third option.
OU has arguably the best tight end combo in the country in Mark Andrews and Grant Calcaterra, both of whom scored TDs on Saturday. Finally, senior FB Dmitri Flower is the best fullback in the country.
The Bad
Run defense against WVU's wildcat
It was awful for big stretches of the first half and third quarter. I realize WVU threw a completely new look at OU, but the defense has to do a better job stopping those kinds of power run looks. Too many yards, too many missed tackles, too many LBs missing gaps.
TCU will likely look at that success by WVU and try something similar.
The Ugly
Officiating
How in the world was Samia the only player tossed from that game? WVU was chippy and got smashed on the field where it counted.
-Atlantasooner